KATHMANDU: Senior leaders of political parties today urged sexual minorities to unite in order to pressure the authorities concerned to incorporate their voice in the new constitution.

Dr Babu Ram Bhattarai, former finance minister and senior leader of Unified CPN-Maoist, said the sexual minorities were gradually being recognised in the society. He claimed to have decided to establish a community hall and hostel for third gender persons while in power.

Addressing a programme organised by Blue Diamond Society to listen to the experiences of Georgina Beyer, first transsexual member of parliament in New Zealand, he said the state should ensure social, political as well as economic rights of sexual minorities. He noted that Hinduism had accepted them long back and asked parties to form a common view on addressing their concern.

Nepali Congress leader Dr Ram Sharan Mahat said his party was against discrimination on the basis of sex, caste, religion and creed. He appreciated the efforts of the sexual minorities to be accepted in the

society and said the society’s perception of them was changing gradually. Dr Mahat said Beyer’s visit was well-timed and would have an impact on the content of the new constitution regarding their issue.

Richard Bennett, OHCHR-Nepal representative, said the minority group of the country had good coordination among each other, adding that the statute should address them.

Georgina Beyer urged the leaders to support the minorities since they were equal with other people. “Nepal can be the first county to identify the third sex in the constitution if it gives them this status.” said Beyer.

Beyer also urged third gender people to participate in the country’s development besides raising their concerns.

Sunil Babu Pant, CA member representing the third sex, said there should be guarantee of equality in the constitution and the sexual minority should be given right to citizenship and freedom, including that of mobility. Pant sought their proportional representation in state organs as well as empowerment.